Grace United Methodist Church 4035. January · 2019. 1. 31. · Grace United Methodist Newscaster...
Transcript of Grace United Methodist Church 4035. January · 2019. 1. 31. · Grace United Methodist Newscaster...
Grace United Methodist Newscaster (USPS 581-930) is
published monthly (except July) by Grace United Methodist
Church, 400 Field Avenue East, Venice, FL 34285-4035.
Periodicals Postage Paid at Venice, FL 34285, and additional
mailing offices.
Grace United Methodist Church
400 Field Avenue East
Venice, Florida 34285-4312
941-488-1374
Website: www.Graceontheisland.com
Postmaster: Send Address Changes to:
Grace United Methodist Church Newscaster
400 Field Avenue East , Venice, FL 34285-4035
LABEL
Grace United Methodist Church
January
NEWSCASTER 2019 EDITION
Prayer at Year's End by Steve Garnaas Holmes
Teach us to count our days
that we may gain a wise heart.
— Psalm 90:12
Eternal God,
in the evening of this year
I release the year to you.
Not a day, not a breath,
have I been without you,
and I thank you.
All that I have done is done;
what I have not done I have not done.
All of my sins and errors you have forgiven,
and I release them.
All of my triumphs are your doing,
and I release them.
The year is gathered into your harvest,
to winnow and to save.
My life is gathered into your grace.
By your spirit in me may I learn from my mistakes,
grow from my wounds,
and deepen in gratitude for my gifts.
And now I turn to a new year,
grateful for your presence and your grace,
seeking only to live in harmony with your delight,
and open to your blessing and your leading.
Whether my journey onward be long or short,
it shall be in you, and I rejoice.
Amen.
Happy New Year
Blessings,
Robin
JANUARY 2019 Like the magi, we receive the news of Jesus’ birth with joy, and
honor him with gifts. We help children understand that although we cannot bring gifts to Jesus in person as the magi did, we still can
honor Jesus with our gifts. Our class will begin a month-long service project collecting money to support a missionary family.
Giving to others is perhaps the best gift that we can give to Jesus. When we follow Jesus’ example of how to live, we show
compassion for those around us. We do not have the power to preform miracles and heal people dramatically as Jesus did. We
still can be healers, though. Opportunities to care for others and to be kind, present themselves everyday.
Take some time to become familiar with these stories so that you may talk about them at home.
6. Magi Seek a Healer (Matt 2:1-12)
7. Jesus Heals (Luke 4:38-44)
8. Jesus Heals a Young Woman (Mark 5:21-24, 35-43)
9. Jesus Heals Ten Men (Luke 17:11-19)
10. Families Remember God (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)
JANUARY 2019
A core belief about baptism that is shared by many Christian denominations is that baptism affirms our
identity as God’s children. Baptism is a way of naming and claiming that identity in community. Teens are in a
crucial stage of identity formation. They are actively seeking to understand who they are and why they’re
here. Many teens were baptized as infants, so they don’t have a bodily memory of this holy rite. However, when
they participate in the baptisms of younger children, they see for themselves the way their community has claimed
their belovedness on their behalf. Even when our students don’t see themselves as God’s beloved
children, the community does. This unit will invite teens to explore their identity as God’s children by cultivating
personal prayer practices, in imitation of Jesus. Join our teens in this month-long journey and see what you
discover!
WEDNESDAYS! WESLEY
DISCOVERY
JOIN US FOR
SNACK SUPPERS
@5:15.
KIDZ CLUB @ 6-7:15
WEDNESDAYS! JOIN US FOR GROUP STUDY & GAMES
SNACK SUPPERS @ 5:15 & STUDY @ 6
FRIENDS WELCOME!
CHURCH STAFF
Kenneth Carter, Florida Conference, Resident Bishop
Rinaldo Hernandez, District Superintendent, SW District
All Members of the Church, Ministers
Robin Hager, Pastor
Beverly McFarland, Administrator
Suzanne Berndt, Organist/Director, Traditional Music
Mary Jeanne Moorman, Pianist
Rich Hager, Praise Team Leader
Vicki Mackey, Student and Family Ministry Director
Tia Fishburn, Office Assistant
Frank Hall, Custodian
Karen Bowles, Housekeeper
GRACE VISION AND
MISSION STATEMENTS
VISION
Where God’s grace is
changing lives
and making a difference
MISSION
We are a multigenerational
community of faith
called together by God’s
grace to make disciples
of Jesus Christ for the
transformation of the world
GRACE PRESCHOOL NEWS
We hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday
with friends and family. The preschoolers had such
a fun time during the Christmas program. They
performed wonderfully! Thank you to all who were
able attend. We appreciate your support.
We are looking for volunteers with early education
experience. If you are interested in becoming a
Preschool volunteer, please contact the
administration office for details.
The Preschool will be closed Monday, January 21st
for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Open enrollment for the new 2019-2020 school
year is around the corner! Dates will be released
soon.
Happy New Year! Welcome 2019!
If your birthday or anniversary is not listed but should be, or if there are any
errors, please email or call the church office so that a
correction can be made.
Thank you!
JANUARY VOLUNTEERS
Harry Beecker
Bob Bainbridge
Tami Weaver
Mel & Phyllis Johns
DATE PICK-UP TAKE HOME
Jan 6 Bob Bainbridge Bob Bainbridge
Jan 13 Bob Bainbridge Bob Bainbridge
Jan 20 Bob Bainbridge Bob Bainbridge
Jan 27 Bob Bainbridge Bob Bainbridge
1 Diane Slikas
Austin Joyner
Diane Brown
Patty Lamar
2 Samuel Parrett
4 Meara Hill
5 Kate Giesel
Eva Ramsland
6 Iris Fessenden
8 Tom Hicks
9 Mary Jeanne Moorman
10 Sam Dieffenwierth
12 Julia Dieffenwierth
Virginia Cook
15 Linnie Baker
Marlene Grant
16 Patricia Johnson
Becky Delaney
17 Evan Boone
18 Troy Mackey
Jeremy Parrett
19 Tom Stoddart
20 Dawn Smith
21 Bill Davis
Lynda Johnson
22 Thomas Hendzell
23 Chelsea Campbell
Kyle Graser
Debbie Steranko
24 Janet Keown
Tara Merritt
25 Martha Swenson
Diane Bender
Phyllis Raybould
Jean Mead
26 John Milton
27 Barbara Newcomb
Pat Bruce
Sam Rutherford
28 Joanna Echberg
Robert Plough
29 Kay Bathurst Crotsley
Tami Taylor
30 Natonya Parrett
31 Mary Beeck
8 Scott & Tari Waite
11 Henry & Sally Brinkman
17 Tom & Ellen Davis
18 David & Suzanne Cron
19 James & Casey Clinch
20 Tim & Wilda Kelly
23 Steve & Jennifer Boone
28 Norris & Jean Mead
Robert & Barbara Plough
29 Jim & Barbara Duke
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Sunday pick up and take home ministry is a great outreach
to our homebound and shut-ins and we are in need of
drivers! This ministry enables them to come to church to
worship God with their fellow Christians in faith. We are
flexible with your schedule! If you are interested in
volunteering in this ministry outreach, please call 488-1374.
Venice and Englewood Lions Club
Vision Program provides free eye care and glasses. There is
a large box located in the front office (main building) where
you can donate your used glasses, cell phones and hearing
aids.
For more information there are brochures located in the front
office or you can call: 941-486-6065.
Sunday Morning Team
We have a few volunteers that open and lock up the church
on Sunday mornings. This is saving GUMC funds because
we do not have to hire someone to do it. Many thanks to the
folks volunteering in this ministry. If you are interested in
joining this ministry, please contact Jay Geerdes at
941-485-2634.
MINISTRY, MISSION, GROUP Every active person in our Grace Church
Family is encouraged to have a M, M, and G!
MINISTRY – At least one ministry within the church
MISSION – At least one mission to those outside the church
GROUP – At least one group during the year for spiritual growth and accountability
Do you have a Ministry, a Mission, and a Group?
MINISTRIES
If you know of someone in assisted living,
rehabilitation or homebound (even if they have a caregiver),
call the church office with their name and location. We want
to make sure we are not missing anyone and we want to do a
better job in reaching out to our homebound members.
Thank you for your assistance.
Grace is a Stephen Ministry congregation.
A Stephen Minister is equipped to provide
high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care
to people who are hurting. If you are called to
be a Stephen Minister or are in need of a
Stephen Minister, please speak to the
Pastor.
Greeters 11 AM Service We need Greeters to help welcome people to Grace
before the Traditional Service at both the front door and
the back door. The time is from 10:30 to 10:55.
Everyone can greet, whether you're a new member or a
long time member, come regularly or not so often.
Also, if you attend the Contemporary Service and want
to mingle and greet at a particular time, let us know.
To volunteer, call Betty Jo Shiell 497-7854 or
Mary Chambers 493-9644.
Saving Box Tops for Red Bird Mission
Box Tops: it’s the little label that says ‘Box Top’
including the expiration date. Turn them in at the front
office. Henderson Settlement uses the box tops for school
supplies for the two schools that are part of the mission.
They also were able to buy 29 Ford vans. On some snacks,
there is a note on the front of the bag that a box top is there.
It is usually very small on the back.
This is a mission that is part of the Red Bird Missionary
Conference located in a very poor section of our great
country in SE Kentucky. With labels that we might just
throw away, this mission is able to get items that help the
children and adults they serve, such as 12 Ford vans. For
other information contact: Dorris Ann Wasson
941-412-0847.
MINISTRIES CONTINUED
MISSIONS
GIVING
We Encourage You to Give Through Online Giving
Here are some options to choose from:
1. BILL PAY THRU YOUR LOCAL BANK VIA ONLINE
BANKING - Set up your weekly/monthly giving via your
local bank just as you would your mortgage
payment or your utility payment
2. AUTHORIZE GUMC TO DO A MONTHLY DEBIT
TRANSACTION - This method will need an authorization
form signed at the church office. Please contact the church
office for the authorization form.
Freda Boone Scholarship For Grace Summer Camp has
been set up for boys and girls to attend our Grace Summer
Camp. We were blessed by Freda for so many years at our
church. She was a charter member of Grace. Because of
her love for children, it is our honor to have this scholarship
in her name. If you find it in your heart, funds can be added
to the scholarship in Freda’s name.
GROUPS MISSIONS
HANDS-ON MISSION OPPORTUNITY
The Mission Committee wants to begin promoting Hands-on
mission work in our community.
To accomplish that goal we are meeting with people both in Grace
and the community. Last meeting we met with the Director of
South Sarasota County Habit for Humanity located on Alligator
Drive Venice. Habitat is building a FAITH HOUSE and have
asked local churches for $60,000 money donations and workers to
build a house for a family here in Venice. The family to qualify
must save enough money for closing costs and must participate in
training classes regarding home ownership and assume a mortgage
on their new house.
The Faith community needs to furnish "people power" to do the
actual construction. This is where you as a Faith person are
needed and can help. There will be skilled trade’s people to assist
with your work and to see it done properly and to building
codes. An on-line safety training is also required. The payback to
you is knowing you have helped in the name of faith to provide
housing for a family that doesn't have permanent housing. When
the house is dedicated {sold) to the family a Christian prayer
service is held.
For more information and volunteering, please call one of the
following: Church Office, Emily Shaw at Habitat, (941-493-6606
ext 228), John Milton (941) 484-7975, or Nancy Vanderwall (941)
485 2401)
On a personal note, I worked as a Habitat volunteer for nine years
as a recycle leader. House dedications are a very emotionally
satisfying occasions and make you feel very gratified to be
involved. John Milton
The Piecemakers’ News
The Piecemakers meet in the East Wing on Wednesdays
from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. New members are very
welcome. We always have a variety of quilting and sewing
projects to work on. Our mission is “to support each other in
fellowship and love as we create quilts for our babies,
shut-ins, and friends of Grace United Methodist Church who
need comfort; and other hand-crafted gift items which
support our church and community missions financially".
If you missed our fall open house, you are welcome to stop
by any Wednesday to check out our inventory of quilts and
handmade items, or you can find our table at the Pancake
Breakfasts. We take special orders too!
Grace United Methodist Women invite everyone to their
January 8, 2019 Luncheon at 11:30 AM in punch hall.
The program will be given by the Director of Programs for
The TWIG, a mission for children’s clothing and related
items.
United Methodist Men
UMM monthly breakfast meeting will be at 7:30 AM on
January 7th in punch hall. Join us for a time of
fellowship and coffee and donuts.
UMM will be hosting their annual Sweet Heart Dinner on
February 14th at 6:00 PM in punch hall. Bring your
sweetheart and enjoy a fun filled evening of entertainment
with Rick Krieger and maybe even cut a rug or two. Tickets
will be $15.00 per person. Make your reservations by calling
the church office.
January 1.
New Years Day
Church Office
CLOSED
2.
No Kidz Club,
Anchored Youth or
Snack Supper
3. 4.
10am UMW
Budget Meeting,
PH Back Conf.
5.
8am Pancake
Breakfast, TFEC
6.Comunion
Family Promise
3:00 New Testament
Discipleship Bible
Study / Wasson, PH
7.
Family
Promise, TFEC
7:30am UMM
Breakfast, PH
8. Family Promise,
TFEC
9:15 Preschool
Chapel, Sanctuary
8am Finance
Meeting, PH Back
Conf. Rm
6pm Board of
Trustees Meeting,
Parlor
9:30am UMW
Meeting, PH
9.
Family Promise,
TFEC
1:30 VOTI
Communion, VOI
10.
Family Promise,
TFEC
11.
Family Promise,
TFEC
12.
Family Promise,
TFEC
9:00 Life Grp,
Parlor
12pm Kidz/
Winter Jam,
Tampa
13. 3:00 New Testament
Discipleship Bible Study / Wasson, PH
14.
9:15 Preschool
Chapel, Sanctuary
6pm Suncoast
Emmaus Board
Meeting, Parlor
15.
NEWCASTER
INFO DUE
9:30 UMW Circle
Grps.
6:30pm Staff
Parish Meeting,
Parlor
16. 17.
6pm Reluctant
Prophet Study
Grp, PH
18. 19.
8am Pancake
Breakfast, TFEC
3:00pm
Suncoast
Emmaus
Spaghetti
Dinner, TFEC
20.
Children's Coin
Ministry
3:00 New Testament
Discipleship Bible Study / Wasson, PH
21. 22.
9:15 Preschool
Chapel, Sanctuary
5:15 pm Family
Promise Board
Meeting, Parlor
6pm Church
Council Meeting,
Chapel
23.
24.
6pm Reluctant
Prophet Study
Grp, PH
25. 26.
27. 3:00 New Testament
Discipleship Bible Study / Wasson, PH
28. 9:15 Preschool
Chapel, Sanctuary
29. 30. 31.
6pm Reluctant
Prophet Study
Grp, PH
EVERY SUNDAY
8:30 Coffee Time, TFEC
9:00 LifeJourney Worship, TFEC
9:00 Children’s Church, Rooms 106, 108 9:30 Adult Sunday School, Wesleyan, WW; Christian Encounters, EW
10:00 Kidz Club Class, RM 205/206/207
10:15 Youth Sunday School, Room 200
10:15 LifeJourney Adult Sunday School: Connecting Class, Room 108,YourTurn, Parlor B
11:00 Traditional Worship, Sanctuary
3:00 New Testament Discipleship Bible Study / Wasson, Punchall
Calendar Events That Occur on a Regular Basis
EVERY MONDAY 10:30 Piano, TFEC Rm 108
10:30 Preschool Dance, TFEC
4:30 Prayer Group, Chapel
EVERY TUESDAY 10:00 Staff Meeting, Parlor
10:30 Dance Lessons, TFEC 5:30 GraceTones, Music Rm
6:30 Cub Scout Pack #77, PH /EW/
WW/Back Conf. Rm/TFEC 108/201/202
7:00 AA, Meeting Room C
EVERY WEDNESDAY
9:00 Piecemakers Quilting, EW & PH
10:30 Preschool Gymnastics, TFEC
5:15 Snack Supper, TFEC 6:00 Kidz Club & Anchored Youth, TFEC
6:00 Grace Grow Groups - ( Grave Robber,
Rm 103)
Grave Robber, RM 103) 6:30 Stephens Ministry,CoffeeRm(Every Other Week)
6:30 Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Music Rm
6:30 Boy Scout Troop #77, PH/EW/WW
7:00 Al Anon, MR-C
EVERY THURSDAY
10:30 Preschool Gymnastics, TFEC
6:00 Girl Scouts Rm 203 (Every Other Week)
6:00 Reluctant Prophet Study Grp, PH 7:00 LJ Praise Team Practice, TFEC
7:00 AA, Meeting Room C
EVERY FRIDAY 9:00 Threadcatchers PH, EW
10:30 Martial Arts, TFEC
* Church Office Closes at 12:00pm
MEETINGS
December
Finance Meeting: Tuesday, January 8th at 8:00am in
Punch Hall Back Conference Room.
Board of Trustees Meeting: Tuesday, January 8th at
6:00pm in the Par lor
Staff Parish Meeting: Tuesday, January 15th at
6:30pm in Par lor .
Church Council Meeting: Tuesday, January 22nd at
6:00pm in the Chapel
NEWSCASTER DEADLINE: Please submit all articles by January 15th for inclusion in the
February Newscaster. Thank you!
POLICIES: These policies are in place to ensure space
and equipment will be available to you and your ministry
and applies to everyone, including the congregation & staff.
1. Room Reservations: Any time you wish to use any
rooms or equipment on Campus the schedule needs to be
checked and paperwork completed for the office and
custodian.
2. Groups currently using rooms: If your group needs a
larger space, a different date, time, or is not meeting, we
need to know so we can be sure your needs are being
met.
3. Table/Information Reservations: If you wish to have
tables or easels in the TFEC lobby or Narthex,
paperwork is required.
4. Bus/Van reservation: If you wish to use the bus or
van for your ministry, please get with the office
manager. Insurance paperwork must be submitted 10
business days pr ior to dr iving and the schedule needs
to be checked.
Due Date Information:
1. Sunday bulletin information is due 10 days prior to the
date.
2. Newscaster schedule is located on the bulletin board in
the staff hallway or in the work room on the bulletin
board.
Please contact the church office for any of these
requests.
GENERAL INFORMATION CONTINUED
CALENDAR INFORMATION
In the Hospital? If you or a loved one goes in the
hospital, please call the church office at 488-1374 and
notify us. Clergy no longer have access to the patient
listing.This means that our church and Pastor will not know
if one of our church family is in the hospital unless someone
calls the church office and notifies us. Thank you for your
help.
Bricks may be engraved in memory of loved ones. In order
to maintain consistency throughout the walkway, memorial
bricks will be engraved with your loved one’s name, year of
birth and year of death. Money received from the purchase
in excess of memorial bricks cost will be used for the
continued maintenance and upkeep of the Memorial Garden
and Walkway. A dedication ceremony will be held once a
year on All Saints Sunday, the first Sunday in November.
Someone from the church will notify you of the date and
time should you wish to attend. Forms are located in the
Church front office. Return the completed form and check in
the amount of $100.
Venice MainStreet
Grace has a membership with Venice Main Street which
gives us the opportunity to advertise at the Centennial Park
Kiosk, their weekly e-newsletter, and social media. We
also have a free listing on their website directory. IF your
group/ministry would like to take advantage of this
marketing opportunity please follow the guidelines below.
Please keep in mind – we don’t have a staff member for
marketing, I will do my best to get this information
submitted. Best to send in early…
1. Please email the church office your formatted flyers or
announcements.
a. I can’t make up your flyers or type up announcements.
b. I will need it by WEDNESDAY at noon so that I
can meet the deadline for submission..
Suggestion: have one person from your group/ministry be
the marketing contact.
GENERAL INFORMATION CONTINUED
ALTAR FLOWERS
Kindly consider enhancing the beauty of our
worship areas by placing flowers on the altar. Flowers can be
given IN MEMORY OF or IN HONOR OF loved ones or
friends. Bouquets are $35.00 each or $65.00 for two and
yours to claim after the 11:00 AM service. Sign up on the
flower calendar in the hallway and Please pick up a form to
fill out in the church office.
GENERAL INFORMATION GENERAL INFORMATION
Next Pancake Breakfast & Country Store sale Saturday,
January 5th and 19th at 8:00am. If you like to help out
or have any questions call the church office at
941-488-1374. Donations for the country store always
accepted. If you need help packing up items or need them
picked up contact Judy Johnson 941-488-6929.
CROP HUNGER WALK 2019
The 2019 John Clay Memorial Crop Hunger Walk will be held on
Sunday February 24. The 1 or 3 mile walk will begin and end here
at Grace UMC, where approximately 400 walkers will march in
solidarity to end hunger worldwide and here in our community.
Crop Hunger Walks are interfaith educational and fundraising
events sponsored by Church World Service (CWS) and are
organized by local churches and organizations. They are led by
volunteers to raise funds for food, clean water, and also help
provide resources (such as seeds, tools, technical training etc.) that
empower people to meet their own needs. Donations raised are
sent to the most impoverished nations as well as used locally to
eradicate hunger.
In 1990 John Clay, Director of Christian Education here at Grace,
was responsible for organizing the first Crop Walk in Venice.
Since his death in 1995, to honor him as the founder, the Venice
Crop Walk became know as the John Clay Memorial Crop Hunger
Walk.
For the past 50 years Crop Hunger Walks have taken place across
the US. The Venice John Clay Memorial Walk is often the most
successful in Florida and usually one of the top fund raisers in the
nation. Last year $35,947 was donated to CWS.
25% of the funds are returned to local communities. In 2018
nearly $10,000 was donated to the following local hunger relief
organizations in the Venice area:
Center of Hope South County – provide food and social services
for the needy, about 40 per day.
Laurel Civic Association – serve a hot meal every day, food
distribution monthly to needy families. Offer an afterschool
program for 80 kids per day (including homework assistance).
Trinity Presbyterian Community Assistance Ministry – food
pantry and clothes closet, serve 50-80 hot meals 3 days a week
Venice Area Mobile Meals – makes and delivers 150-200 meals 6
days per week to the elderly, shut-ins, and rehab patients.
The need is great. We can make a difference in this daunting chal-
lenge to fight hunger around the globe and in our local communi-
ty. Let’s join in to help solve this major problem, because we do
not believe that hunger is inevitable.
You can sign up to walk by contacting Mary King (492-9809) or
Jay Geerdes (485-2634) or by stopping by the information desk
before or after church services. Also, please consider making a
donation to one of the walkers. Or donations can be made online at
CWS/CropHungerWalk.com. It is easy – click on donate, select
team, (GUMC) and proceed.
The entire Grace Community is urged to support the 2019 John
Clay Memorial Crop Hunger Walk. Thank you and God bless for
contributing to this important mission.
Beginning January 6th Rev. and Mrs. Wasson will lead the
New Testament Discipleship Bible Study. Sessions will be
from 3:00pm to 6:00pm each Sunday in punch hall to sign
up or for more information call Warren or Dorris Ann at
941-412-0847
The Thursday Night Study Group will begin the study of
“Moses In the Footsteps of the Reluctant Prophet” by Adam
Hamilton starting Thursday night January 17, 2019 through
February 21st in the punch hall West Wing at 6:30pm.
Any one who is interested in this study please contact
Melvin Johns at 941-488-8132 or email at
[email protected] for information.
Do you like to read, do puzzles, and eat snacks? Do you like
to have fun, laugh and get a lot of hugs? If so, we need you!
The Student & Family Ministries are looking for a few
people to volunteer in the nursery, preschool, and elementary
age classrooms once a month or every other month. You
would help a main teacher who does all the prep and
planning! Contact Vicki in the church office or by email,
[email protected] to sign up or ask any
questions!